Agoda.com, Asia’s leading hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq:PCLN), is providing amazing deals in some of Japan’s top destinations to celebrate the decision of the Japanese Foreign Ministryto relax visa requirements for certain ASEAN countries.

The decision, which went into effect on July 1, 2013, relaxes the visa requirements for citizens of the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam, while lifting visa requirements entirely for citizens of Thailand and Malaysia. The decision was made by Japan in order to celebrate 40 years of cooperation between ASEAN and Japan with a goal to help spur the nation’s tourism industry and develop its relationship with regional neighbors. The initiative will continue throughout 2013 with exchange projects that focus on politics, economics, culture, youth and tourism.

The changes to visa requirements mean thatThai nationals can visit Japan visa-free for up to 15 days. Previously a visit to Japan required a significant amount of paperwork and a multi-day wait before an applicant found out if they could go.

Now, however, Thai visitors can see some of Japan’s top attractions without having to worry about paperwork or approvals. From the neon-lit shopping hub of Tokyo to the historic commercial districts of Osaka to the northern capital of Sapporo, it’s now as easy as simply showing up and presenting a passport.

To help travelers get the most out of this exciting opportunity, Agoda.com is providing a 10% discounton hotels in Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo. Head to www.agoda.co.th/japanvisafree and enter the promo code for the city you’re booking in – GOTOKYOTH (Tokyo), GOTOOSAKATH (Osaka), and GOSAPPOROTH (Sapporo). Browse the hotelsto see which one will be the best fit for your vacation, and get ready to experience the Land of the Rising Sun. Hurry, this promotion ends on August 6!